Don Jones

Don Jones (March 15, 1923 – January 28, 2015) was an American artist and art therapist, fourth American Art Therapy Association (AATA) President, Honorary Life Member of AATA, and one of five founders of the American Art Therapy Association.

Life and work

Don Jones is recognized as one of the pioneers of art therapy. Jones’ contributions to the field of art therapy include serving in professional and community positions. In addition, as one of the five founding members of American Art Therapy Association (AATA), he was influential in the formation of the AATA. Jones also served as president, training influential art therapists and creating permanent pieces of artwork.

Don Jones almost drowned at the age of four, but was rescued and resuscitated by his older brother. Jones first started drawing after his near-drowning. He credits art with helping him overcome the traumatic experience. As a teenager, Jones taught himself to paint, starting with oils. He realized during the art process that it was different from the art curriculum he learned in school. Don felt release. it combined guided imagery and drawing while patients remained in a relaxed state. Subjects imagined a journey, and stopped at four important points. At each point, they were asked how they would proceed, and drew a picture of the imagery. Each invented situation was cautiously designed to embody a different kind of universally stressful problem. Structured questions followed the exercises. The "Don Jones Assessment" was found to be useful in both assessing and treating individuals.

It was not until 1969 when the American Art Therapy Association became nationally known; this formation recognized art therapy as a professional field. By this time, Jones worked as the director of the adjunctive therapies department in Harding Hospital for two years. Located in Worthington, Ohio, the hospital developed and acted upon the idea that every possible experience could be therapeutic. In 1974, Bruce Moon was hired onto the staff after a one-year clinical apprenticeship. Don Jones became his mentor, and continues to be today. To Moon, Jones is a father, a legend and a friend.

Even in retirement, Don Jones was still an active painter in his art studio. He continued to assist the Worthington Area Art League that started in his basement 35 years ago, supervised students and consulted with various treatment programs. Jones died in January 2015.